Structural unit



Dec. 17, 1929. I b, rr 1,739,573

STRUCTURAL UNIT Filed Nov. 1928' INVENTOR Den 6y f7. Eff/76y BZWMEZK Patented Dec. 17, 1929 UNITED STATES DEWEY H. BITNEY, OF ALBION, MICHIGAN, vASSIGINOR .TO UNION STEEL PRODUGTS COMPANY, OF ALBI N,v MICHIGAN STRUCTURAL UNIT Application filed November 3, 1928. Serial No. 3143;933.

The main object of this invention is to provide an improved structural unit adapted as a support for reinforcing bars and other reinforcing elements in concrete structures With which the supporting elements may be quickly and securely engaged without the use of tools.

Objects pertaining to details and economies of my invention will definitely appear from 1 the description to follow. The invention is defined in the claims.

A structure which embodies the features of my invention is clearly illustrated in the accompanying drawing in Which':

of one of my improved structural units with a pair of reinforcing bars engaged therewith. Fig. 2 is a fragmentary side elevation of my structural unit.

Fig. 3 is a fragmentary view partially in section on line 33 of Fig. 2.

Fig. 4 is a fragmentary elevation of a modified form or embodiment of my invention.

Referring to the drawing, my improved structural unit comprises a longitudinal supporting rod 1 which in practice is of substantial length and to which I secure a plurality of upright legs 2, these legs being in practice formed of wire or light rod and secured to the longitudinal supporting rod by electric welding.

The lower ends of the rods are turned laterally providing feet 3 which are disposed transversely of the longitudinal rod providing a base of substantial width. The upper ends of the legs are turned laterally and disposed longitudinally of the supporting rod providing spring reinforce engaging members 4:. These engaging members have down-- ward oflsets 5 therein under which element to be supported, as the bar 6, is forced, and the retaining members spring to permit the reinforce passing under the same. These retaining members hold the reinforcing elements securely in position.

Fig. 1 is a fragmentary perspective view In the :modification shown in ig. 4 :the supporting rod 7 is corrugated while the engaging members Sof the legs :2.-are straight. The legs 'are positioned so that bends of the supportingrodiaredisposed.adja'centthe end of the retaining members :so that the retain ing members spring or yield to receive zthe element to be supported substantially the same as in the embodiment shown in Figs. 1 and 2.

The uprights are preferably arranged in pairs with the retaining members of the pairs directed toward each other as is illustrated. The feet of the pairs are disposed in opposite directions.

With the parts thus arranged the supports may be made of substantial lengths and cut to the desired length in use. The reinforcing elements may be quickly engaged therewith without the aid of tools and at the same time are very securely retained.

Having thus described my invention what I claim as new and desire to secure by Letters Patent is:

1. A structural unit comprising a longitudinal supporting rod, and a plurality of upright legs fixedly secured to said rod in spaced relation and having laterally turned lower ends providing feet disposed horizontally and transversely of said longitudinal supporting rod and laterally turned upper ends disposed longitudinally of and in spaced relation to said supporting rod providing reinforce engaging members, portions of said engaging members being downwardly offset so that the elements to be supported may be sprung under the same, said legs being arranged in pairs with their engaging members in facing relation and their feet in oppositely disposed relation.

2. A structural unit comprising a longitudinal supporting rod, and a plurality of upright legs fixedly secured to said rod in spaced relation and having laterally turned lower ends providing feet disposed horizontally and transversely of said longitudinal supporting rod and laterally turned upper ends disposed longitudinally of and in spaced relation to said supporting rod providing reinforce engaging members, portions of said engaging members being downwardly ofi'set so that the elements to be supported may be sprung under the same.

3. A structural unit comprising a longitudinal supporting rod, and a plurality of vertical legs Welded to the rod in spaced relation with their upper ends projecting above the rod and having laterally turned portions disposed horizontally of the rod providing yielding reinforce engaging members,

the lower ends of said legs being disposed horizontally and transversely of said supporting rod providing feet. i

4. A structural unit comprising a longitudinal supporting rod, and a plurality of vertical legs welded to the rod in spaced relation with their upper ends projecting above the rod and having laterally turned portions disposed horizontally of the rod providing yielding reinforce engaging members.

In witness whereof I have hereunto set my hand.

DEWEY H. BITNEY. 

